draco

What are people's opinions on this? Should I get a full flush done or would a simple drain and fill be sufficient. My car has just got back from a service and I have been advised that the fluid is quite dirty and should be replaced. I remember there were issues with my ES300 (in that the car model it was suggested to only do a drain and refill rather than a full flush). Is this same restriction on the RX? My car has done 170000km (~105000 miles).

hypervish

Stick with drain and fill. It's not just for this car or the ES300, but rather for all cars. It's almost always safer to do a drain and fill then it is to do a flush.

lexus114

Yep! Just as he said. ^^^^^

diverchris

I have had full flushes from the dealership on both my rx and an older RAV4. I have not experienced any problems that have been mentioned by others. I decided to do a full flush as I decided to replace with synthetic fluid.
I hope this helps,
Chris

mandyfig

The drain and fill is the best way to go. No need to introduce "detergents."

cdnewton

We have had a "fluid exchange" on our RX330 at 60K and every 30K since. Getting ready for one another next month; no issues to report.

But, from what I can gather, the fluid exchange is different than a flush. I go to an independent and they don't push any chemicals, just Toyota Type IV fluid. It usually involves about 14 quarts for the full procedure.

cali808

I kind of feel I need a flush. I did an oil change and they showed me the trans fluid. It was kinda dirty Lexus dealer said they don't do the flush, I think it's just a drain and refill. I need all that dirtiness out though! I wonder if that's why some of my shifts feel a little rough I really hope it smooths it out.

thomas1

DO NOT do a flush, A fluid exchange is ok...That is where the transmission pump moves the fluid out and in....

Sandhopper

Had mine flushed when I bought it at 112K and at 120K still shifting nice and smooth...

luvrxxx

Short answer...

On a car with 105K miles that's never been flushed(?):

Play it safe...

Service tranny filter;

And...

Drain, not flush...

Check gear oil levels (preferably replace) in front transfer case and rear differential;

Change antifreeze upon which tranny relies to keep cool;

Fix any leaks you can.


Long answer that could be even longer:

Generally if ATF ("automatic transmission fluid", which isn't oil btw) flushed every 30K miles or so, it's relatively okay to "continue" flushing at high miles.

However, a tranny with 105K miles that's never been flushed will have a good deal of "ATF glue" in their. This ATF residue normal if fluid not changed or flushed regularly. It becomes somewhat of a permanent fixture, bonding tranny seals, valves, gaskets and other components (chat about it with anyone that repairs these for a living)...

There's fair risk of breaking a good deal of this "glue" loose in the flush process on a vehicle with anything over 24 - 30K. Flushing may crack a seal, clog a valve or path, all exasperating rough shifting, slipping, worse failures down the road (on a vehicle that's otherwise known to get upwards of 200,000 miles plus on the clock when properly maintained).

Transversely, a car with a history of flushes every 30K miles or so doesn't have this glue build up. So there's much less risk of a chunk coming loose in subsequent flushes that will affect the mating surfaces<>operation of your 5 or 6 speed.

Some other considerations of "Flush V. Drain" are... Were there proper fluid checks & filter service; correct shifting - operation, e.g. left in drive up steep hills, unless towing (read your owners manual); was your front transfer case & rear differential run low or DRY; coolant changed regularly??? All make the difference in transmission condition.

Caution your mechanic to explain clearly (and not just take your money).


On topic, Toyota T-IV is relabeled "Mobil1 3309"...

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lub..._ATF_3309.aspx

It is about $3.50 a quart (12 per case). It isn't exactly "lifetime fluid" (to wit "lasts 100,000 miles"), except in some very rare conditions (ask anyone willing to admit tranny problems whose subscribed to the "lifetime" myth).

Moisture & acid ingress, thermal issues, overzealous driving, heavy loads, miles of mountainous roads, extended drives, 4x4 in AWD, beach jollies, etc. all easily break it down to about half or quarter life (i.e. drain and/ or flush every 25 - 50K miles V. every 100K)...

If it matters, you'll get in range of 5 quarts out on a drain (big hex plug under driver side front). I do with each oil change since down there anyway...

Ten minutes on top of oil change + $20 worth of T-IV aka 3309 + a $2 funnel to pour fresh ATF down dipstick tube = cheap insurance.


See "When Not to Flush"...

http://www.gadgetonline.com/TransFlu...%20to%20flush:


I hope this makes sense.

dcdyd

Is this process considered to be safe? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsdPAadc9fY

1koolfella

iTrader: (1)

After watching this youtube video, I'm only going by what the older members been saying here on the boards, which is to go by the manufactures recommended service. Anything else is a waste of time and money. I had 2 trannies replaced, the first one Honda picked up the tab and 3 years later it failed again and I had to pay for it. That's why I now drive a Lexus.


http://youtu.be/Pf6KY6rrqYU

thomas1

Yes it is safe, many on the lexus forum have used this procedure....

1koolfella

iTrader: (1)

I think I understand but please correct me if I'm wrong.

If it's the same fluid then it's ok to push the old out with the new,

but it's not ok to use a detergent or a different substance to push out the old fluid and then to add the new because this can damage your engine, transmission or other part of vehicle.

Sandhopper

That would be very dependent on the condition of your transmission. If your transmission has been serviced regularly and the fluid has not been degraded then you should not have issues with a flush. If the car has 100K on it and there is no record of change or flushing in its history it would be a better idea to just do a fluid exchange as described above. If it looks like someone changed out the clear red transmission fluid with motor oil... fluid exchange with a savings plan for a new/rebuilt transmission.

Good Luck